Speed limits threat during Wolverhampton A449 island works

Council bosses in the city are preparing to reduce a half-mile stretch of the A449 Stafford Road from a dual carriageway to a single lane for 19 hours a day from next month until December 2013.

The existing layout of the Vine island

They intend to keep the 40mph limit in place during the £3 million works, which will see the Vine island remodelled, but said they would impose a 30mph limit if drivers take risks.

Ian Hipkiss, new works manager at the city council, said: “We haven’t put in for any reductions but it is possible that we will seek a 30mph limit if traffic is not sensible.”

Plans released by Wolverhampton City Council show that around 12 par-king spaces will be created for shops on the Vine Island in Fordhouses. Currently cars have to pull in off the roundabout to access the Co-op and other stores.

As part of the work a new car park will be provided with access from Wobaston Road and an exit onto the Vine Island. New toucan crossings for pedestrians and bicycles will be installed on Stafford Road and Wobaston Road and trees and shrubs will be planted. As part of the works, traffic coming from Bee Lane will be banned from turning right on to Stafford Road.